Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching 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 customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not 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 skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
