Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
