Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with different setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things 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 practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
