Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
