Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
