Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable 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 expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He 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 vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
