Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But 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 almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes 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 leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
