Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
