Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
