Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
