Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
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 uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
