Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
