Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the latter stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. 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. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
