Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
