Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
