Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
