Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view 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 is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
