Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the latter stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
