Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking 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 good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
