Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a better side because when all the players return, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
