Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
