Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. 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 Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
