Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
