Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
