Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
