Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
