Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe 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 leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
