Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view 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 is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.