Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering 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 trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, 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 continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. 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 wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
