Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When media criticize 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 feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
