Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
