Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
