Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among 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 muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
