Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
