Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
