Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
