Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
