Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed 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 insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
