Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
