Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
