Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We will become a better side because when all the players return, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock 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 understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
