Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen 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 offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad 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 leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
