Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering 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 vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
