Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a different moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas 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 providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
