Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.