Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We will become a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails 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 miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars 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.
