Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
