Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed 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 offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
