Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We will become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, 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 tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although 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, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
