Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects 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 true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
