Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. 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 Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars 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 duty.
