Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
