Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - 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 personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a 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 injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
