Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will become a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
