Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
