Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
