Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
