Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
