Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
