Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time 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 project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
