Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
