Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
