Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When the press criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
