Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
