Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
