Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
