Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on 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 insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
