Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the final stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
