Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off 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, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players 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 international duty.
