Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
