Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal 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 boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars 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.
