Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"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
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
