Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing stages as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while 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 captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. 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 leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
