Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
