Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "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 is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
