Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the final phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
