Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
