Head coach Ruben Amorim contends 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 trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
