Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players 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 international duty.
