Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a better squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not 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.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key 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 - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
