Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable 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 continue providing input.
"The guy 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 always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. 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 leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
