Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
