Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
