Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
