Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
