Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly 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 positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
