Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
