Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
