Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a different time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
