Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.