Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss 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 telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
