Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
