Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
