Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
