Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
