Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing 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 opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe 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 true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
