Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging 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 feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured 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 captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
