Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable 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 miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, 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 anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy 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 flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
