Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view 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 leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
