Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted 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 continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
