Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, 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.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
