Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
