Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
