Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
