Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
