Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas 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 carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
