Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
