Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the final stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "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's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
