Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
