Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker 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 miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured 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.
