Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, 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 is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow 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 international competition.
