Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
