Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
