Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. 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."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
