Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
