Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We will develop into a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
