Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
