Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
