Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
