Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced 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 pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
