Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
