Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.