Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
