Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable 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.
