Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow 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 continental competition.
