Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
