Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to 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 understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
