Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
