Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
