Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
