Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, 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 captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured 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.
