Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless 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 clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on 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 always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys 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 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 injured 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 duty.
