Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, 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 player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
