Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
