Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
