Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
