Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured 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 is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
