Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
