Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting 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 Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
