Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching 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 setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not 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 bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
