Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy 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 at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
