Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
