Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many 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."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
