Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
