Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys 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 leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
