Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off 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, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
