Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. 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. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
