Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies 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 came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
