Head coach Ruben Amorim says 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 usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change 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 last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch 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 providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players 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 continental duty.
