Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will become a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
