Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things 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."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
