Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
