Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"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 quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects 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 Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
