Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads 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 leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
