Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
