Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
