Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the closing stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
