Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted 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.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
