Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured 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 leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
