Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow 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 one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
