Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players 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 continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
