Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
