Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - 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 position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
