Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will become a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things 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."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
