Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
