Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will become a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
