Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise 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, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars 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 is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
