Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players 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 is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. 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'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
