Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"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 constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. 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. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
