Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system 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 wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many 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 Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
