Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
