Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game 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 half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. 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 wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
