Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
