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 moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
