Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
