Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a different time. We lack a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. 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. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
