Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
