Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players 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 international duty.
