Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a separate time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, 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 captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
