Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
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 - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
