Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us become a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
