Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
