Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.