Head coach Ruben Amorim says 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 trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover 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 reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
