Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit 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 reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
