Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will become a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
