Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When you criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when all the players return, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. 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. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
