Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
