Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to 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 reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
