Head coach 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 ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
