Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
