Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
