Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing 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 constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
