Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on 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 speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
