Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the final stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We will become a better side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit 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 understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
