Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, 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 train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
