Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has consistently been 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 look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players 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 continental duty.
