Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
