Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the latter stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
