Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
