Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
