Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public 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 wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
