Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
