Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
