Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"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 always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. 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 leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
