Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"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 Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
