Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
