Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When media talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise 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 competition.
