Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the closing stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
