Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a different moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
