Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable 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 Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things 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
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
