Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
