Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the closing stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - 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.
