Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails 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 miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
