Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
