Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
