Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a better squad because when all the players return, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way 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 you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
