Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media 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 feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads 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 job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
