Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
