Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
