Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
