Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock 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 match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. 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 strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
