Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
