Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
