Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the latter phase as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.