Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
