Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, 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 continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
