Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars 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 continental competition.
