Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
