Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an standard back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a better team because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable 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 continental competition.
