Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock 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 clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
