Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting 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 Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
