Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the final phase as his team held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal 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 understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars 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 continental duty.
