Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has 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 Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
