Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable 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 competition.
