Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will become a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable 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 continental duty.
