Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
