Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"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 speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
