Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling 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 half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
