Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" 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 standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
