Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, 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.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - 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 practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
