Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will become a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
