Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured 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 international duty.
