Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured 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 continental competition.
