Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow 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 a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering 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 offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
