Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"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 offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
