Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other 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.
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