Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the final stages as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
