Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view 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 captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
