Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a separate time. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
