Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will become a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player 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 negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
