Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
