Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
