Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view 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 guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
