Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, 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 Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - 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 competition.
