Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper 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 return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys 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."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
