Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will become a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
