Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
