Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
