Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
