Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the final phase as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"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
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
