Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
