Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.