Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
