Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
