Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
