Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
