Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not 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 captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
