Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will become a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
