Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of 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 leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
