Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
