Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding 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 just their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
