Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely 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 mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
