Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable 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 miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
