Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting 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 Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"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 communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
