Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players 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 continental competition.
