Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
