Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
