Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
