Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state 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 midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. 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
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
