Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When the press criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars 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 anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
