Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We will become a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
