Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When you discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing 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 silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
