Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the latter stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
