Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the players return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
