Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the latter stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
