Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
