Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When the press talk about changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
