Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with different setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
