Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
