Now is optimal to switch Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager insists.
Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.