Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
