Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
