Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
