Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
