Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
