Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
