Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the latter phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
