Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
