Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will become a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
