Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will become a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
