Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied setups 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 - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a better team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
