Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things 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 Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
