Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
