Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
