Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
