Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder 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, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to 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 is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
