Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal 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 pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
