Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us become a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
