Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars 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 anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
