Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
