Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed 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 captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of 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 true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
