Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the final stages as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable 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 offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
