Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
