Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"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 offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
