Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper 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 make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
