Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
