Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
