Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, 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 leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
