Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
