Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
