Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured 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.
