Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
