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 abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
