Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
