Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
