Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny 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 opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "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 skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"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 Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
