Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
