Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms 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 training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
