Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
