Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter stages as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock 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 pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view 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 is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
