Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
