Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
