Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
