Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
