Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
