Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
