Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
