Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
