Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching 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 wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
