Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
