Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
