Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When you criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
