Manager 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 usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
