Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a different moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise 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 continental duty.
