Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
