Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
