Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
