Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
