Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a separate time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock 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 urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
