Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
