Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while 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 tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
