Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
