Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
