Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the latter phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
