Boss Ruben Amorim argues 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 moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys 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 leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
