Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
