Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the latter stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
