Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things 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 other guys training. There are a many 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 Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
