Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a 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, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"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 watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
