Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number 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 a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
