Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy 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 constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way 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 things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players 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 continental competition.
