Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the players are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured 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.