Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
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.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
