Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
