Manager 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 abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
