Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
