Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
