Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker 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 miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.