Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad 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. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
