Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
