Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal 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 urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars 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 continental duty.
