Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager 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 write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
