Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
