Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
