Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
