Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
