Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
