Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are 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 observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars 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 continental duty.
