Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number 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 one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
