Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing 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 usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
