Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
