Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
