Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
