Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs 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 Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
