Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads 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. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
