Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
