Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
