Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit 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 pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
