Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a 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 skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
