Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching 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 three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
