Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
