Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
