Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the final stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent 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 one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
