Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
