Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
