Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
