Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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 one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
