Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
