Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies 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 pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"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 exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
