Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
