Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring 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 way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
