Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a different time. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal 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 urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things 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 Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
