Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when all the players return, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players 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 international duty.
