Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
