Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the latter phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
