Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has consistently 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 giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed 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 continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
