Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
