Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise 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 a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed 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 providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
