Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
