Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
