Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit 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 boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
