Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
