Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
