Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following 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. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
