Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players 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 is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
