Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
