Boss Ruben Amorim contends 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 moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes 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 born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
