Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
