Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the final phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker 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 among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. 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 wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
