Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
