Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects 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 Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
