Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
