Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
