Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
