Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable 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 competition.
