Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes 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 job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
