Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent 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 the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's 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 continental duty.
