Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
