Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow 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.
