Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a different moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We will become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
