Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
