Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the players are available, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, 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 anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
