Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
