Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We will become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
