Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
