Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the latter stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
