Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players 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 competition.
