Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
