Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
