Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
