Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
