Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
