Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
