Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering 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 back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players 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 duty.
