Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
