Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players 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 international duty.
