Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured 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 is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. 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. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects 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 Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
