Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails 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 match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
