Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason 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 recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
