Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
