Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
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 return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
