Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things 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 evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch 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 captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
