Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable 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 miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
