Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will become a better side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
