Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
