Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
