Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
