Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
