Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen 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 leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
