Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
