Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
