Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
