Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date 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.
