Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable 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 is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
