Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase 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 among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
