Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a better team because when all the players return, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
