Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
