Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will grow into a better team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
