Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
