Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a separate time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
