Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will become a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players 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 international competition.
