Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, 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 expects his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact 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, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
