Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance 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 unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
