Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those 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 hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
