Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to 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 urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
