Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
