Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
