Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable 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 international duty.
