Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
