Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
