Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch 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 is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
