Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When you talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys 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."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
