Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
