Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
