Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a 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 getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain 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 return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
