Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring 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 affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. 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. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.