Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
