Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us become a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players 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 duty.
