Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover 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 match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
