Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
