Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
