Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
