Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes 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 criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars 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 duty.
