Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
