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 moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure 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 speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact 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 continental competition.
