Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will become a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
