Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When media talk about altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will become a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"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 watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
