Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the final stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
