Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He 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 captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
