Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure 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 date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
