Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain 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 problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
