Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
