Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural 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 captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
