Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
