Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
