Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle 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 chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, 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 leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
