Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a different time. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
