Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players 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 competition.
