Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
