Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has 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 Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not 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 bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars 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 competition.
