Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his team held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
